Bolt Prospect Radek Smolenak Signs With Czech Club

Lightning prospect Radek Smolenakhas signed a two-year deal with Czech Extraliga club HC Sparta Praha. Smolenak, a 2005 3rd round pick of the Lightning, had a disappointing 2009-2010 campaign where he scored 9 goals and 27 points in 60 games for AHL clubs Norfolk and Abbotsford. Smolenak was loaned to Abbotsford late in the season after rumored disciplinary problems and a falling out with Head Coach Jim Johnson of the Admirals. Smolenak signed a one-year deal with the Lightning in training camp after being cut at the end of the KHL preseason by Nizhnekamsk, and he also appeared in 1 game for the Chicago Blackhawks at the start of the season in a short stint in that organization after being claimed on waivers.

The Lightning have the option of extending a qualifying offer to Smolenak in order to retain his NHL rights.